Okay, guys...first off, I have to say I've been sitting here a good while thinking of something interesting to say...For some reason, I can't seem to remember the show all that much.  This could be due to a number of reasons: 1--I was standing next to a total JERK (yeah, you!  You who thought you were "the man," standing next to that guy tape recording the show and moved so damn much without even dancing--I'm only 5'1"); 2--The aforementioned guy; 3--CHANGE is coming in the form of VIP seating/floor/tables/area-- Those people up there looked like androids looking down at us specimens...no one even moved!; (4--the recent thread of conversation on here.)

BEFORE THE SHOW:  Eli and Johnny walked in together...Eli was groovin' with his little backpack.  Some guy asked for his autograph (I think) and he didn't have a pen.  This was VERY comical, but worth it I'm sure.  Eli finally started searching his backpack for a pen...

STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT:  I liked these guys.  They are STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT....from LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.  CALIFORNIA.

BUFFALO DAUGHTER:  Cool.  Quirky.  I like them.  Had some technical problems and Johnny came out for a quick bit to straighten things out.  The crowd tittered everytime one of the girls spoke.  It was that cute girly voice and foreign accent (think Bjork).

GVSB:  Started with Park Avenue....don't ask me the set list.  Only had two *extra* songs.  Of course there was a House of GVSB after (who went?).  I can't say it's the best show I've been to.  Eli did get quite carried away...his mike just swung right around and practically fell into the crowd from the force of his excitement.  They played for approximately 1hr. and 10 min.  I don't know where the time went! (I'll pay much better attention at Irving Plaza.)

Besides, I'm sure we'll all be getting great reviews of this gig.  I think Mr. Pier-Hocking (sorry if I didn't spell that right) was there. No moshers or guys screaming out "fuck you motherfucker".  But there was that guy who always seems to be asking for his martini. Oh, and, they dedicated two songs, one to Ted Nicely and one to Bruce Springsteen (actually, I don't think the second was a dedication).

ALSO, I think I should be a record exec or famous person 'cause then I'd get to see GVSB give a *private show* (they gave one at someplace called the Troubador in L.A. last month--supposedly) and I'd get to be up in that balcony with all the other VIP's!

I agree that Freak would have been the same no matter who produced it (okay, that's a lie...not entirely the same), and I'm NOT saying or otherwise implying that hyphenated word that starts with "S" and...well let me not even hint it...BUT, there are some definate changes in the atmosphere of the show (I don't believe in sectioning off areas for VIP people...let them all stand back stage or something, none of them looked truly interested).

Here are some additional thoughts...

ON THE CROWD:  Usually you can just ignore moshers and such, but no one was really going crazy.  I think the crowd was divided into: 1) fans like me that have seen them do what they do, like them enough to see them several times in a *row*, but are left somewhat uninspired because we know the deal; 2) new fans that are experiencing the band for the first time based on freak and can't really enjoy the beauty and depth of the older defining gvsb stuff; and 3) fans that just think they rock, a combo of old and new fans.

HOUSE OF GVSB:  It was for everyone...the guys always invite the crowd to stay after (I'd be interested to know who attends these regularly).  Though, I have to say, the invitation didn't sound as heartfelt this time.  In addition, I just assumed that a good part of the attendants would be the Very Important People in the balcony.  They were an exciting bunch.  I can picture them now, deprecating on all the fans that stayed to chat with the band after, as if they were humouring us.

WOULD i SEE THEM AGAIN:  Hell, yeah.  (I'm ready for Irving Plaza.) I really love this band.  Freak is still growing on me, but to be able to see them really rock and be wicked performing their older stuff is great.  I think last night's experience was a combination of negative things.